Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuit FAQ

What Is Transvaginal Mesh?

Transvaginal mesh is a medical device used to support damaged or weak pelvic floor muscles in women who suffer from stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP). The device is typically inserted surgically below the pelvic floor, where it bolsters the rectum, bladder, and other organs.

Transvaginal mesh is typically composed of synthetic materials but may be made from animal-based components. 

Why Are People Filing Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits?

Several pelvic mesh manufacturers face product defect lawsuits alleging their products did not have sufficient warnings of adverse effects. Some lawsuits also claim the manufacturers failed to adequately test their products for health risks before putting them on the market. 

Manufacturers named in transvaginal mesh lawsuits include: 

• American Medical Systems, Inc. 
• Johnson & Johnson (Ethicon, Inc.)
• Coloplast Corporation
• Cook Medical, Inc.
• C.R. Bard
• Boston Scientific Corporation
• Neomedic

Victims of transvaginal mesh injuries claim the manufacturers’ failure to warn of potential adverse effects and complications caused significant injuries and losses. 

Who Can File a Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuit?

If you have suffered adverse effects or complications from a transvaginal mesh implant, you could seek compensation through a lawsuit. Complications or injuries you could suffer due to defective vaginal mesh include: 

• Chronic vaginal pain
• Vaginal bleeding
• Infections
• Pain during intercourse
• Vaginal extrusion
• Vaginal scarring
• Bowel or urinary obstruction
• Bowel perforation
• Organ damage
• Fistulas

The effects of defective transvaginal mesh can be debilitating, and they may not resolve even after the mesh is removed. If you suffered adverse effects from transvaginal mesh, you are not alone. The Goldwater Law Firm’s law firm partners can help you understand your legal rights and guide you through the process of filing a claim against manufacturers of defective medical devices.

How Much Can I Get From a Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuit?

Settlements and awards for transvaginal mesh lawsuits vary depending on your case’s circumstances. Some of the largest payouts involving vaginal mesh claims include:

• $189 million settlement with Boston Scientific and multiple states for deceptive marketing of surgical mesh products
• $302 million judgment against Johnson & Johnson (Ethicon Inc.) for concealing pelvic mesh risks
• $11 million settlement with Ethicon Inc. and the state of Kentucky for misrepresentation of surgical mesh risks
• $60 million settlement with Becton, Dickinson and Company (C.R. Bard), 48 states, and the District of Columbia for concealing risks of transvaginal pelvic mesh devices

The manufacturers have also paid out in settlements to individuals and groups of plaintiffs. Many of these settlements and judgments arose from mass tort claims in multidistrict litigation (MDL). Typically, these payouts are determined based on the severity and extent of the victim’s injuries. Although nobody can predict the outcome of a transvaginal mesh claim in advance, The Goldwater Law Firm’s co-counsel aims to recover the compensation you need for the full scope of your losses.

How Long Does a Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuit Take?

Transvaginal mesh lawsuits can take years to come to a settlement or judgment. While typical personal injury claims can take several months, vaginal mesh claims are much more complicated. Large companies are more likely to fight a product defect lawsuit if the stakes are high. If the court finds against them, companies will often appeal the decision, further lengthening the process. 

The Goldwater Law Firm understands that you are frustrated and angry. Our law firm partners are here to ensure you receive the legal support you need during this trying time. 

How Do I Start a Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuit?

To begin the process, speak with a mass torts attorney who focuses on transvaginal mesh and mass torts lawsuits. A lawyer familiar with product defect claims for vaginal mesh will have the knowledge necessary to guide you throughout the case. 

Although every state has different requirements and guidelines for legal claims, most claims still begin with a legal complaint filed against the company you are suing. The complaint must detail the complications and injuries you suffered due to transvaginal mesh defects. 

You must also establish grounds for your accusation against the manufacturer. For instance, many lawsuits against vaginal mesh manufacturers cite misleading marketing or insufficient warning about the potential health risks of the product.

Once your lawsuit is filed with the appropriate court, you must provide evidence and documentation to support your claim. The Goldwater Law Firm’s co-counsel in your area can help you prepare legal documents, file the lawsuit, gather evidence, and represent you during settlement talks and trial proceedings. 

Is There a Deadline to File a Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuit?

All states have a statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. You likely only have a few years from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit against a transvaginal mesh manufacturer. Avoid missing important deadlines by contacting an attorney as soon as possible.

Speaking with a lawyer early can ensure you meet the legal deadline for filing your lawsuit. In addition, prompt filing allows your lawyer to gather evidence while it is still fresh. For instance, witness statements, published research, expert testimony, and medical records may be easier to obtain closer to the date of the injury. 

Can Transvaginal Mesh Cause Complications Years Later?

Transvaginal mesh complications can arise right after the mesh is inserted or years after the procedure. Some adverse effects do not become apparent until the condition is advanced. For instance, tissue adhesion, infection, organ damage, and scarring may not be immediately apparent until they cause more obvious health issues.

Some states allow you to file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of a defective product after you discover the injury. Keep medical records relating to your transvaginal mesh health complications and contact a transvaginal mesh lawsuit attorney with The Goldwater Law Firm as soon as you become aware of the health complications.